Hand-Rearing of Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) in
CAPRIM

The rate of neonatal deaths is usually high in many captive primate species,
but with careful management and appropriate hand-rearing methods the mortality
can be reduced (Loudon, 1985). These methods have been tried in Old World
monkeys (e.g., Sackett et al., 1979; Matsuabyashi, 1988) as well as New World
monkeys (e.g., Kaplan, 1977, 1979), using various milk formulas. Among
Saimiri spp, the high incidence of illness and neonatal death is a serious
problem in captivity (Brady et al., 1990). Rasmussen et al. (1980) recorded
that of 512 pregnant Saimiri sciureus, 84% gave birth to infants over a
period of 9 years, of which 4% died within the first 24 hours; 7% died within
the first week. Askel & Abee (1983) determined the mean fetal weight just
before birth of Saimiri sciureus to be 95 g; neonates weighing less than
75 g rarely survived. At the Centro Argentino de Primates (CAPRIM) we found
that approximately 10% of newborn Saimiri boliviensis with body weights
below 90 g and those with normal weights but reduced prehensile reflexes were
not able to suck from their mothers and died a few hours after birth. In the
present work we evaluate a hand-rearing method, using artificial mothers and
substitute milk, which fits into CAPRIM's management system.

Methods and Materials

The subjects were 32 Saimiri boliviensis infants born alive at CAPRIM
during 1993-1994, of which nine (the experimental group) were hand-reared.
Seven of these (5 males and 2 females) were separated from their mothers 48
hours after birth. The birth weight of these seven averaged 118 g, with a range
of 105-130 g.

Two other infants were also included in the experimental group: one female,
abandoned by her mother at birth, and another female, 8 days old, whose mother
died. The other 23 infants were fed and naturally reared by their mothers in
outdoor cages (See Table 2).

All of the infants were weighed at birth and once a week thereafter. The
Student t-statistic was used to test for significant differences in mean
weight between the groups.

The infants in the nursery were housed individually in transparent glass boxes
(26 x 26 x 30 cm) kept at 30-35°C by artificial mothers made of lamp-holders
containing 5 watt, 12 volt AC light bulbs (the voltage was stepped down by
transformer). They were covered with heavy cloth to permit grasping by the
infant. The cloth was changed once a week for cleaning.

The food for the first 8 weeks of life was the milk formula S26® fortified with
iron (Wyeth; Table 1), which yields 100 kcal when 19 g of powder is
dissolved in 150 ml of water, and which has a 40:60 ratio of casein to other
proteins (C:P).

Until 12 weeks of age, they were fed every two hours (9 meals a day) between
7:00 and 23:00 hours, via plastic syringes; afterwards they were fed at 7:00,
11:00 and 15:00 hours. The daily consumption of every infant was recorded.

S26® was used in the following dilutions: up to 2 weeks of life, 7.6 g of powder
with 60 ml of water (40 kcal); from 3 to 12 weeks old, 15.2 g of powder with 60
ml of water (80 kcal). After 2 weeks of age, the infants were offered the
usual "CAPRIM diet" of pellets (25% protein), moistened in water, and fruits.

After 8 weeks of age, the infants were placed together in a wire cage (70 x 62
x 75 cm) which had small branches to allow the infants to develop arboreal
activity.

After 12 weeks, the milk was changed to NIDO Entera® (Nestle) which has 161 kcal
when 32.5 g of powder is dissolved in 250 ml of water, with a C:P ratio of
82:18. (Table1).

The percentage of hand-reared infants that survived (78%) was lower than that
of mother-reared (87%) (Table 4). It must be pointed out, however, that
the only two deaths in the hand-reared group happened on
the same day during the first week of life. There was a failure in the
electrical supply, which turned off the lamps in the artificial mothers,
causing hypothermia, compounded by an unusually cold night. The older infants
were not affected by the loss of heat from their artificial mothers.

The milk used during the first weeks must have a C:P ratio of 40:60 to allow
normal gastric digestion. When casein is exposed to gastric acid and its
enzymes it produces a hard coagulum in the stomach, which slows digestion.
Other milk proteins, on the other hand, go quickly through the stomach
(Oftedal, 1980).

Studies of human milk (Kunz & Lonnerdal, 1990) have shown the C:P ratio
changes during lactation. At day 4, the ratio is 23:77; at 95 days, 42:58. This
increment in casein and reduction of other proteins, apparently caused by
changes in the mammary gland with continued nursing, apparently explains
primates' tolerance of milk with higher C:P ratios some months after birth.

The other critical factor for the hand-rearing of infants is maintenance of
constant temperature (30-35C), because infants do not thermoregulate well
(ILAR, 1980). The importance of the primate mother in temperature regulation of
her infant has been demonstrated in Macaca mulatta, particularly during
the night, when the infant's body temperature falls (Lubach et al., 1992). We
have found that it is also necessary to maintain the temperature in artificial
mothers for several months, not only for the first weeks of life.

Kaplan, J. N. (1979). Growth and development of infant squirrel monkeys during
the first six months of life. In G. C. Ruppenthal (Ed.), Nursery Care of
Nonhuman Primates (pp. 153-164). New York: Plenum Press.

This study was supported in part by Secretaría de Ciencia y
Técnica (SECYT), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE).

Thanks to Celman David Pitteri, Egle Rosa Chivesnik, Miguel Ramón,
Ángel Martínez, and Felisa Fernández for their valuable
contribution to this study, and to Anneke DeLuycker, for the English
translation.

* * *

Photoperiod and Activity Profiles of Captive Nocturnal Prosimians

Light influences nocturnal animals in a variety of ways. Light levels in a
captive setting can inspire or inhibit activity (Frederick & Fernandes,
1994). The number of hours spent in darkness and in light appear to play a role
in setting animals' circadian rhythms (Harker, 1964). Dawn and dusk are also
important markers for the physiological clock (Kavanau et al., 1976; Pariente,
1979). At dusk, nocturnal animals venture out when ambient light reaches a
level of physiological comfort. As dawn approaches, specific sequences of
behavioral events may be triggered, such as the contact calling of the lemur
Phaner furcifer (Pariente, 1979).

The nocturnal prosimian potto (Perodicticuspotto) was the subject of a
recent behavioral study on the effects of lighting manipulations (Frederick
& Fernandes, 1994). When the animals were subjected to an instantaneous
"sunrise" (564 lux to 1560 lux at the flick of a switch), they exhibited the
characteristic slow cryptic locomotion pottos display when disturbed
(Charles-Dominique, 1977). To ameliorate this situation, the lighting regime
was adjusted to provide gradual changes, controlled by timers. A series of
lights were triggered at timed intervals in sequences which simulated dawn and
dusk.

In the present study, we use this automated lighting system to adjust day
length, and provide the pottos with a twelve-hour active "night" period instead
of an eight-hour one. We compare the pottos' activity levels and behavior under
the two night lengths, and also compare these data with the previously
published activity cycles of three other species of nocturnal prosimians
(Conway et al., 1977).

Our Methods

The subjects of this study were 1.1 pottos, ages three and nine years. They
were housed in a 2.8 x 1.6 x 2.3 m diorama, open to the public from 09:00 to
16:00 hours. The pottos were originally kept on a reverse light cycle
(dark/light 8:16, observed for 8 weeks), and then changed to a 12:12 schedule
(4 weeks). During the latter schedule, an hour on each end was devoted to
"dawn" and "dusk", simulated by three rows of fluorescent lights going on
(dawn) or off (dusk) at twenty- minute intervals. A row of acetate-filtered
incandescent track lights, which constituted the "night" lighting, was also
synchronized to enhance this effect. Observational scans were taken once each
hour throughout their "night" period, noting behavior and an associated
activity level for each potto. The activity levels ranged from 0 (asleep) to 6
(highly active; see Frederick & Fernandes, 1994).

Conway's Methods

The earlier study by Conway et al. (1977) examined activity rhythms of
nocturnal animals as a function of light intensity. The prosimians of that
study were 1.1 greater galagos (Galagocrassacaudatus), 1.1 lesser
galagos (G.senegalensis) and 1.2 slow lorises (Nycticebus
coucang). All animals were housed in enclosures inside a building which is
open to the public from 10:00 to 16:00 hours. Temperature and a reverse
dark/light 12:12 light cycle were automatically regulated. The animals also
experienced "dawn" and "dusk" brought about in three stages, with incandescent
spotlights used for simulated "moon-light". Four 15-second observational scans
were taken hourly for each animal, noting behaviors and activity levels
(ranging from 0 to 3 according to intensity). The baseline portion of this
study is presented here for comparison.

Results

The statistical distribution of behaviors and activity levels did not differ
significantly between the male and female pottos, so their data were combined.
Under the 12-hour night, there was a significant increase in the pottos'
stationary behaviors from the 8-hour one (Figure 1a), particularly in
"asleep", "groom", and "passive visual". Smaller decreases in "hang" and
"visual explore" were also noted. A substantial decrease was observed in only
two locomotor behaviors (Figure 1b), "climb" and "locomote", under the
extended night.

There was also a significant difference in the activity levels of the pottos
between the 12-hour and the 8-hour night (G = 37.66, df = 6, p
< .001). The observed frequency of level 0 (asleep) increased markedly with
an extended night; however, frequencies for the highest activity levels (4, 5,
and 6) were almost identical for both night lengths. Figure 2 presents
the median activity levels of pottos and the mean activity levels for the three
species studied by Conway et al. (1977). The slow loris and greater galago
display activity cycles that are most similar to one another. The pottos'
8-hour activity cycle resembles that of the lesser galago, but under the
12-hour night it does not, for the most part, resemble any of the other
species.

There was, however, an activity peak at 18:00 hours for the potto, slow loris,
and lesser galago, and one at 17:00 hours for the greater galago. For all
animals, then, a peak in activity occurred under a 12-hour cycle during the
period that the exhibit was closed to the public.

Discussion

The impact of a simulated dawn and dusk was difficult to ascertain because
their effects were qualitatively, rather than quantitatively, observed. The
pottos groomed vigorously and openly at dusk and moved to their sleeping site
at the first light of dawn without engaging in the cryptic locomotion, usually
a sign of disturbance, seen during the sudden light change.

Figure 2: Activity levels as a function of time of day in four nocturnal prosimian
species on a 12-hour night light cycle. The pottos' activity levels (top) show median rank
and both an 8- and 12-hour night. Arrows indicate public hours. Lower graph derived
from Conway et al., 1977.

The four additional hours of darkness clearly affected the pattern of the
pottos' daily activity. Their behavioral repertoire remained intact with the
most notable change being the increase in amount of sleeping observed. The
corresponding increases in grooming and passive visual behaviors are most
likely associated with this change, since they tend to occur in conjunction
with sleep. In contrast, when the pottos were active, they were as active as
they had ever been. The additional time allotted to the pottos for their
"night" seemed to result in a pattern of intermittent bouts of sleep with a
peak in activity after public hours ended. Although slight differences in
methodology and analysis between Conway et al. (1977) and this study may have
obscured further similarities, their prosimians also showed this peak. However,
we do not know whether the reason for this shift was the public or some other
mechanism.

Our study indicates that photoperiod is a management issue for facilities
housing nocturnal primates. Pottos, under an 8-hour "night", are more active
without any loss to the behavioral repertoire. This activity pattern may have
advantages for research protocols, public viewing, and staff observation.

The 12-hour photoperiod decreased the pottos' value as exhibit animals, but
this could be offset by possible gains to their psychological well-being.
Pottos and other shy species may benefit from beinallowed time to be active
without the potentially stressful presence of public and staff. The 12-hour
schedule could also positively affect breeding in species which are sensitive
to disturbances in their surroundings.

Ultimately, we adopted an 8-hour night for use during a behavioral study, a
10-hour night for our exhibit potto, and a 12-hour night for an off-exhibit
breeding pair of pottos.

Helen Shuman, 1936-1995

Helen Shuman, Managing Editor of the Laboratory Primate Newsletter
from 1974 to 1985, died March 21, 1995. She was an important part of the staff
during the changeover from manual to computer production, as well as the author
of some poems published here. She leaves her husband, three sons, and four
granddaughters. From 1986 to late 1994 she worked in the Division of Biology
and Medicine at Brown University.

* * *

Resource Available: Animal Space

The Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo,
Ontario, Canada (located close to Toronto and the U.S. border) welcomes
inquiries regarding animal housing and/or research contracts.

The facility was originally designed to group house nonhuman primates and
rodents. Eight of the 14 animal rooms have large anterooms with one-way glass
into the animal room for observation purposes. This facility can be adapted to
house various other species and will be available in mid August. There are also
two excellent technicians, experienced with nonhuman primates, who will
otherwise be out of work in August.

Editors' Notes: What Becomes of the Animals?

A Warning

It has come to our attention that there are individuals purchasing surplus
laboratory animals, claiming that they will be kept in private zoos or
otherwise "retired", but who are turning around and selling the animals at
auction or privately as pets.

While laboratories, especially academic ones, are frequently "under the gun"
to seek placement for surplus animals that are no longer "earning their keep,"
it is wise to insist on a very firm contract specifying disposition of animals
and their offspring if you believe, as we do, that you retain an interest in
the welfare of your animals after you have retired them. It should also be
considered that it is illegal to use nonhuman primates (NHPs) or their
offspring imported after 1975 for purposes other than bona fide scientific,
educational, or exhibition purposes (as per notice in PSIC New
Listings), and that the source of the animals might be considered liable
for that diversion if it cannot be shown that due diligence was taken to insure
proper placement.

Cathy Johnson-Delaney, of the Primate Supply Information Clearinghouse,
makes a mighty attempt to protect the information in the PSIC Listings,
but the Freedom of Information Act guarantees public access to information
generated under NIH grants. Only research institutions and AZA-accredited zoos
can receive New Listings and Continuing Listings free of charge, and
may advertise and receive referrals. Those who do not qualify thus can pay to
receive the newsletters, and can pay to list their businesses in the Annual
Resource Guide.

Dr. Johnson-Delaney specifically warns that the USDA's Breeder/Dealer
classification does not prohibit the sale of monkeys to the pet trade. Unless
the animals sold are CITES-listed, or there is an iron-clad contract, there is
nothing that can be done after the fact. Until and unless legislation is passed
outlawing exotic animal auctions and private ownership of NHPs (and that means
state and local regulations), there will continue to be a market.

We have been asked by a researcher who feels that she was "taken" by a
plausible appearing and sounding zoo owner, to print this warning to the
primatology community. Ask questions, but don't just accept good sounding
answers. Investigate the background of those you do business with, and insist
on strong contracts.

Looking for Solutions

The question of surplus and otherwise retired NHPs is not one with easy
answers. It is not only research animals that need to be dealt with: pets and
animals used in entertainment are also retired when they get too old, or too
strong, or for some other reason. What becomes of them all?

Years ago, the solution was to "send them to the zoo." Zoos at one time
were simply collections of cages; now zoos must have the services of experts in
genetics as well as nutrition, psychological well-being, and many other
subjects. Zoos are no longer random collections. Even when they were, there
would come a point when they could no longer take in all offered animals. The
Primate Foundation of Arizona was born when Jo and Paul Fritz took into their
own lives the "orphaned" chimpanzees that the Phoenix Zoo could not accept.

There are those who suggest returning these captive animals "to the wild."
The major objection to this solution is that "the wild" is shrinking,
disappearing. It would be no solution to return NHPs to an area where they
would have to compete with humans burning off the forests for farming or
hunting for "bush meat." Furthermore, captive-born animals, even if
painstakingly taught the survival skills necessary to live in the wild, might
be considered intruders by indigenous conspecifics.

The most frequent recent suggestion has been the creation of new, and the
support and regulation of existing, sanctuaries or "retirement facilities" for
various species of NHPs. In the article "Chimpanzees in AIDS research,"
(Journal of Medical Primatology, 1994, 23, 49-51), van Akker et
al. state: "It is now generally accepted that chimpanzees must be retired at
the end of their involvement in research, to live under conditions which
provide for their social and psychological well-being, for the remainder of
their 40-50 year life span... [N]o experiment should be carried out unless the
supporting agency has guaranteed to provide the funds necessary for such
retirement. Such funds must be kept in a secure annuity account. At present,
approximately $30,000 - $60,000 per chimpanzee are standard charges for this
purpose."

While this may be a solution for chimpanzees that are used in AIDS research,
it does not address the question of chimpanzees and other NHPs that are in
other research, roadside zoos, entertainment, or other private ownership. Nor
does it address the question of how to assure that conditions in sanctuaries do
indeed "provide for...social and psychological well-being."

Recently two groups have been organized to address some of the above
concerns. One is the American Society of Primatologists' Private Ownership of
Primates task force described on p. 7 of the last issue of the
Newsletter. The other is the Council for Accreditation of Chimpanzee
Sanctuaries and Retirement Facilities described on p. 20 of this issue. While
the Council is directly concerned only with chimpanzees, the conclusions it
reaches will extend beyond those animals, and beyond the great apes.

There are many differences of opinion on the subject of animal use but we
would like to believe that there is universal condemnation of animal
abuse. The problem with this good-sounding statement is that we have no
universally accepted definition of "abuse". Still, hunger, thirst, temperature
extremes, and physical restraint that causes physical damage to the body
can be deplored by all, while many or even most persons define abuse to include
other mistreatment. To those who say we must do more, We reply, "We should not
do nothing while waiting to be able to do everything." -- J. S.

* * *

Workshop Announcement: Animal Care and Use Programs

The NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER), Office for Protection from
Research Risks (OPRR) is continuing to cosponsor workshops on implementing the
Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The
workshops are open to institutional administrators, members of Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committees, laboratory animal veterinarians, investigators
and other institutional staff who have responsibility for high-quality
management of sound institutional animal care and use programs. Ample
opportunities will be provided to exchange ideas and interests through question
and answer sessions and information discussions.

A workshop titled Internal Audits of the Animal Care and Use Program will be
held September 14-15, 1995 at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel, Augusta, GA,
cosponsored by the Medical College of Georgia. There is a $150 fee.

The Workshop will address processes whereby Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committees (IACUCs) can effectively evaluate their institution's animal
care and use program. The PHS Animal Welfare Policy and USDA Regulations state
that at least once every six months the institution's program for humane care
and use of animals is to be evaluated by the IACUC using the Guide and USDA
Regulations (Title 9, Chapter 1, subchapter A-Animal Welfare) as a basis.
Topics to be included in the Workshop include: A review of the program as
described in the Guide; institutional policy issues such as the occupational
health and safety program; personnel training; and the activities of the IACUC
and how effectively it meets its mandates. Other program issues to be included
are veterinary care, the animal environment, and record reviews. Reports of
the IACUC semiannual program and facility reviews will also be discussed.
Approaches useful to IACUCs serving both small and large institutions will be
included.

Grants Available

Oral Cancer Research Centers

The National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) invites applications from
United States institutions for the support of Oral Cancer Research Centers.
The goal of these centers is to support multidisciplinary basic and clinical
research incorporating the range of parameters and academic disciplines
necessary for reducing the morbidity and mortality due to oral cancer (e.g.,
epidemiology, behavioral sciences, nutrition, immunology, molecular biology,
toxicology, and virology). Multifactorial, multistep approaches will be
encouraged. Proposed centers should take full advantage of combined
institutional strengths in various geographic locations.

The Virology Branch of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) invites
applications for the establishment of Emerging Viruses Research Groups (EVRG),
to perform multi-disciplinary, collaborative research on emerging viral
diseases in general, with a special emphasis on hantaviruses. These research
groups should develop coordinated basic and applied research projects yielding
new data that will enhance prediction, prevention, treatment, and control of
emerging and re-emerging viral diseases threatening the U.S. Since other
initiatives are available to support research on influenza, hepatitis, herpes,
papilloma, respiratory, syncytial, measles, and retroviruses/ HIV, projects on
these viruses will not be considered. What will be considered are (1) basic and
applied research that will help formulate coordinated strategies for
anticipating, detecting, controlling, and preventing emergence or re-emergence
of viral diseases; and (2) basic and applied research on the virus, on the
infective process, and the host response to infection, which will be useful in
development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) invites
submission of program project applications for the discovery, preclinical
evaluation, and development of novel agents and strategies that suppress HIV
replication, interfere with disease progression, and ameliorate the
consequences of infection. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
solicits grant applications directed toward identifying the mechanisms
underlying the cognitive and behavioral changes associated with HIV infection.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) solicits
grant applications directed toward studies on the neurological complications of
HIV infection. Both institutes seek grant applications investigating potential
CNS- targeted drug therapies that prevent or alleviate CNS dysfunction.
Responsive applications will emphasize original research of under- exploited
facets of HIV infection. Excluded from this PA are (1) anti-viral agents and
strategies currently under intense investigation, (2) clinical studies, (3)
studies of AIDS-related malignancies, and (4) studies of AIDS-associated
opportunistic pathogens. Support will be provided to research consortia that
include the private sector.

The National Institutes of Health announce six new career development grant
mechanisms (K-series) that replace the 14 previous awards. The new grant
mechanisms simplify the career grant options so that prospective applicants can
more easily understand how these awards mesh with their own career goals and
can be used to enhance the development of their research skills. * The
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) provides research
scientists with an additional period of sponsored research experience as a way
to gain expertise in a research area new to the applicant or in an area which
would demonstrably enhance the applicant's scientific career. This award is
generally reserved for individuals interested in switching to a new research
field, for individuals who have interrupted their career because of illness or
pressing family care responsibilities, or for faculty at minority institutions
who wish to enhance their capacity for independent research. * The Independent
Scientist Award (K02) supports recently independent scientists with outstanding
potential to become future leaders in biomedical, behavioral or clinical
sciences. * The Senior Scientist Award (K05) supports senior scientists who are
recognized leaders in the field. * The Academic Career Award (K07) supports
individuals who wish to develop expertise in a specific academic area or to
support acknowledged experts in developing curricula and research capacity
within an academic institution. * The Mentored Clinical Scientist Development
Award (K08) supports individuals with health professional degrees who require
an intensive, supervised research experience that will lead to independence as
a researcher. * The Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award
(K12) is a program variant of the K08.

The Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition of the National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Division of
Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation of the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) invite applications for individual National
Research Service Award fellowships or Mentored Clinical Scientist Development
Awards from physicians and basic scientists interested in pursuing research
related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The intent is to encourage
research and career development for individuals with a strong commitment to a
research career in the area of the inflammatory bowel diseases, either in one
of the basic sciences relevant to IBD or, more specifically, in work aimed at
either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Research related to the role of
the immune system in the pathogenesis and/or treatment of these diseases is of
particular interest. For information, contact Judith M. Podskalny, Ph.D., Div.
of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, NIDDKD, Natcher Bldg, Rm 6AN-12E, 45
Center Dr. MSC 6600, Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 [301-594-8876; FAX: 301-480-8300;
e-mail: jp53s@nih.gov].

Fulbright Scholarships

One thousand Fulbright awards will be made for college and university
faculty and nonacademic professionals to lecture or pursue advanced research
and/or related professional activity abroad. These awards are available in
every area of the social sciences, arts and humanities, sciences, and many
professional fields. For U.S. candidates, grants are available to over 140
countries. Non-U.S. candidates must contact the Fulbright Commission or U.S.
embassy in their home country to apply for awards to come to the United States.
Activities include undergraduate and graduate teaching, individual research,
professional collaboration, and joint research collaboration. Awards range in
duration from two months to a full academic year. Most, but not all, teaching
assignments are in English. August 1 is the deadline for the 1996-97 awards.
For further information and applications, contact the Council for International
Exchange of Scholars, 3007 Tilden St, NW, Suite 5M, Box NEWS, Washington, DC
20008-3009 [202-686-7877; e-mail: cies1@ciesnet.cies.org].

In Vitro Fertilization

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) invites
applications from investigators willing to participate in the ongoing multisite
National Cooperative Program on Culture Conditions for Nonhuman In Vitro
Fertilization and Preimplantation Development with the assistance of the NICHD
through cooperative agreements. The principal goal of this Program is to
improve the culture conditions for mammalian oocyte and preimplantation
development. In order to achieve this goal, it is expected that methods for
evaluation of the quality of mammalian oocytes, eggs and preimplantation
embryos in culture will continue to be an important feature of the Program. It
is anticipated that a multispecies approach will also continue to characterize
the Program.

Travellers' Health Notes

Ebola Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

May 19 -- On May 6, 1995, CDC was notified by health authorities and
the U.S. Embassy in Zaire of an outbreak of a viral hemorrhagic fever
(VHF)-like illness in Kikwit, Zaire (1995 population: 400,000), located 240
miles east of Kinshasa. The World Health Organization and CDC were invited by
the Government of Zaire to participate in an investigation of the outbreak.

On April 4, a hospital laboratory technician in Kikwit had onset of fever
and bloody diarrhea. On April 10 and 11, he underwent surgery for a suspected
perforated bowel. Beginning April 14, medical personnel employed in the
hospital to which he had been admitted in Kikwit developed similar symptoms.
One of the ill persons was transferred to a hospital in Mosango (75 miles west
of Kikwit). On approximately April 20, persons in Mosango who had provided care
for this patient had onset of similar symptoms.

On May 9, blood samples from 14 acutely ill persons arrived at CDC and were
processed in the biosafety level 4 laboratory; analyses included testing for
Ebola antigen and Ebola antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and
reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for viral RNA. Samples
from all 14 persons were positive by at least one of these tests; 11 were
positive for Ebola antigen, two were positive for antibodies, and 12 were
positive by RT-PCR. Further sequencing of the virus glycoprotein gene revealed
that the virus is closely related to the Ebola virus isolated during an
outbreak of VHF in Zaire in 1976.

As of May 17, the investigation had identified 93 suspected cases of VHF in
Zaire, of which 86 (92%) have been fatal. Educational and quarantine measures
have been implemented to prevent further spread of disease.

Ebola virus and Marburg virus are the two known members of the filovirus
family. Ebola viruses were first isolated from humans during concurrent
outbreaks of VHF in northern Zaire and southern Sudan in 1976. An earlier
outbreak of VHF caused by Marburg virus occurred in Marburg, Germany, in 1967
when laboratory workers were exposed to infected tissue from monkeys imported
from Uganda. Two subtypes of Ebola virus -- Ebola-Sudan and Ebola-Zaire --
previously have been associated with disease in humans. In 1994, a single case
of infection from a newly described Ebola virus occurred in a person in
Côte d'Ivoire. In 1989, an outbreak among monkeys imported into the
United States from the Philippines was caused by another Ebola virus but was
not associated with human disease.

Initial clinical manifestations of Ebola hemorrhagic fever include fever,
headache, chills, myalgia, and malaise; subsequent manifestations include
severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Maculopapular rash may occur in
some patients within 5-7 days of onset. Hemorrhagic manifestations with
presumptive disseminated intravascular coagulation usually occur in fatal
cases. In reported outbreaks, 50%-90% of cases have been fatal.

The natural reservoirs for these viruses are not known. Although nonhuman
primates were involved in the 1967 Marburg outbreak, the 1989 U.S. outbreak,
and the 1994 Côte d'Ivoire case, their role as virus reservoirs is
unknown. Transmission of the virus to secondary cases occurs through close
personal contact with infectious blood or other body fluids or tissue. In
previous outbreaks, secondary cases occurred among persons who provided medical
care for patients; secondary cases also occurred among patients exposed to
reused needles. Aerosol spread has been documented among nonhuman primates, but
not among humans. Based on this information, the high fatality rate, and lack
of specific treatment or a vaccine, work with this virus in the laboratory
setting requires biosafety level 4 containment.

CDC has established a hotline for public inquiries about Ebola virus
infection and prevention [800-900-0681]. CDC and the State Department have
issued travel advisories for persons considering travel to Zaire. Information
about travel advisories to Zaire and for air passengers returning from Zaire
can be obtained from the CDC International Travelers' Hotline, 404-332-4559. --
From Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1995, 44,
381-382.

June 1 -- The International Committee on Scientific and Technical
Coordination, supported by the team of the World Health Organization (WHO) in
Zaire, confirmed that the acute phase of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever epidemic
is over. The number of cases detected since the beginning of the epidemic is
still increasing but almost exclusively due to cases occurring between January
and March 1995 which are now being identified after careful investigations.
Specialists are still expecting a number of new cases in persons currently in
the incubation period, but transmission seems now to be completely halted.

Priority is now given to strengthening of health facilities and to research
activities. Specialists from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, USA,
are expected in Kikwit as well as a US Army team which will try to identify
animal reservoirs of the virus. Their aim is to enlarge scientific knowledge of
the disease in order to prevent further outbreaks of the Ebola hemorrhagic
fever. -- from a WHO Press Release

June 8 -- The outbreak appears to be under control. Small
numbers of cases are expected to continue to occur among persons previously
exposed. Up to 7 June, a total of 250 cases had been detected through active
surveillance and tracing of cases and deaths retrospectively back to January
1995. Of 247 cases with known outcome, 201 have died (81%). About 85% of the
cases have been reported in Kikwit, the remaining ones have been in Mosango,
Bulungu, Gungu, Imbongo and Mukala in the Sub-Region of Kwilu, Bandundu Region.
No cases have been detected outside the Bandundu Region. All rumors of possible
cases are being investigated. Members of the households where cases have
occurred will be monitored during the incubation period and beyond.

The cholera epidemic caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 that began in
January 1991 has continued to spread in Central and South America. In southern
Asia, the epidemic caused by the newly recognized strain V. cholerae
O139 that began in late 1992 also has continued to spread.

From the onset of the _V._cholerae_ O1 epidemic in January 1991 through
September 1, 1994, a total of 1,041,422 cases and 9642 deaths were reported
from countries in the Western Hemisphere. In 1993, the numbers of reported
cases and deaths were 204,543 and 2362, respectively. From January 1 through
September 1, 1994, a total of 92,845 cases and 882 deaths were reported. In
1993 and 1994, the number of reported cases decreased in some countries but
continued to increase in several areas of Central America, Brazil, and
Argentina.

The epidemic of cholera caused by V. cholerae O139 has affected at
least 11 countries in southern Asia. V. cholerae O139 produces severe
watery diarrhea and dehydration that is indistinguishable from the illness
caused by V. cholerae O1 and appears to be closely related to V.
cholerae O1 biotype El Tor strains. Specific totals for numbers of V.
cholerae O139 cases are unknown because affected countries do not report
infections caused by O1 and O139 separately; however, more than 100,000 cases
of cholera caused by V. cholerae O139 may have occurred.

In the United States during 1993 and 1994, 22 and 47 cholera cases were
reported to CDC, respectively. Of these, 65 (94%) were associated with foreign
travel. Three of these were culture-confirmed cases of V. cholerae O139
infection in travelers to Asia.

Cholera is transmitted through ingestion of fecally contaminated food and
beverages. Because cholera remains epidemic in many parts of Central and South
America, Asia, and Africa, health-care providers should be aware of the risk
for cholera in persons traveling in cholera-affected countries--particularly
those persons who are departing from the usual tourist routes, because they may
be more likely to consume unsafe foods and beverages.

Persons traveling in cholera-affected areas should not eat food that has not
been cooked and is not hot (particularly fish and shellfish) and should drink
only beverages that are carbonated or made from boiled or chlorinated water.
They also should not transport food from cholera-affected areas. The licensed
parenteral cholera vaccine provides only limited and brief protection against
V. cholerae O1, may not provide any protection against V.
cholerae O139, and has a high cost-benefit ratio; therefore, the vaccine is
not recommended for travelers. New oral cholera vaccines are being developed
and provide more reliable protection, although still at a high cost per case
averted. None of these vaccines have attained the combination of high efficacy,
long duration of protection, simplicity of administration, and low cost
necessary to make mass vaccination feasible in cholera-affected countries.

The diagnosis of cholera should be considered in patients with watery
diarrhea who have recently (i.e., within 7 days) returned from cholera-affected
countries. Patients with suspected cholera should be reported immediately to
local and state health departments. Treatment of cholera includes rapid fluid
and electrolyte replacement with adjunctive antibiotic therapy. Stool specimens
should be cultured on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar.
Clinical isolates of non-O1 V. cholerae should be referred to a state
public health laboratory for testing for O139 if the patient traveled in an
O139-affected area, has life-threatening dehydration typical of severe cholera,
or has been linked to an outbreak of diarrhea. -- From Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report, 1995, 44, 215-219and 385-386.

Local Transmission of Malaria

Malaria continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
worldwide, particularly because of the development of drug-resistant strains,
and is a continuing concern in the United States because of increased
international migration, travel, and commerce. The basic requirements for local
transmission of malaria--including persons (who may or may not be ill) with
malarial gametocytes in their blood, competent vectors, and conducive weather
conditions--exist in many areas of the United States. A recent report in
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (1995, 44, 295, 301-303)
summarizes the investigation of three persons who acquired Plasmodium
vivax infection in Houston, TX, by presumed mosquito transmission during
1994. None of the patients had traveled outside of the United States since
1956, nor had any other risk factors, except that all had prolonged
nighttime exposure to mosquitos, either through working outdoors at night or
sleeping in housing without windowpanes and/or with unscreened windows and
doors.

Seven other cases of P. vivax were identified in Houston and Harris
county during the investigation; all had traveled to countries where malaria is
endemic; three were treated with chloroquine only and had not received
primaquine to prevent a relapse infection.

The Harris County Mosquito Control District identified adult female
Anopheles quadrimaculatus, a competent vector of malaria, in mosquito
traps placed near the residences of two of the patients.

Important strategies for preventing the re-establishment of malaria as an
endemic disease in the United States are prompt recognition and reporting of
cases of malaria; appropriate treatment of all malaria cases, including
primaquine for P. vivax and P. ovale infections to prevent
relapse; and implementation of appropriate control measures.

In recent discussions on primate-talk, it was reaffirmed that the best
protection against mosquitos is protective clothing in evening and early
morning (long pants and long sleeves) and to stay inside a tent or building at
night, since mosquitos are usually not active during the day. Several insect
repellants were discussed, with the pros and cons of using Deet vigorously
debated. A citronella-based product called Green Ban got generally good
reviews, while one from 3-M called Ultrason, which contains 35% DEET in a
polymer lotion that reduces skin absorption (and possible toxicity) was
reported to be "truly effective." The latter can be ordered through Tropical
Medicine at 1-800-TRAV-MED.

* * *

From Our Local Newspaper: Zoo Matchmakers

From the Providence Journal-Bulletin, Monday, May 1, 1995,
C5.-- As part of an effort by about 50 zoos throughout the United States to
mix and mate more than 200 cotton-top tamarin monkeys and prevent the
endangered species from moving closer to extinction, eight members of the
cotton-top Species Survival Plan management committee from around the country,
armed with thick notebooks, data sheets, a computer, and blue and pink index
cards pinned to a large corkboard, were doing some serious matchmaking at Roger
Williams Park Zoo. They paired up new couples, broke apart old ones, and
decided which pairings would be allowed to have children.

When it was all over, the committee decided, for example, that the male
nicknamed Trouble would be allowed to make some whoopie with a young female
named Moon Unit. Joyce and Igor, who had been an item for a few years but had
produced no offspring, were going to be forcibly divorced. Igor would move to
Louisiana and set up housekeeping with Juanita. Joyce would be getting a new
mate named Gimpy. And while the oldest son of Roger Williams' cotton-top
family, Moses, was going to be sent to Battle Creek, MI for a liaison with a
female from Brownsville, TX, the committee also decided that Cass, who had had
several children at Roger Williams with her mate Ringo, was going to be put on
"the Pill" for a while.

Last week's meeting, which ended Saturday afternoon after 26 hours of trying
to match up the monkeys, was a serious effort to mix and match the cotton-tops
-- squirrel-size primates with shocks of white hair -- in a way that will help
the species survive over the long haul.

Biologists making such swaps explain how it promotes "genetic diversity." By
encouraging matings between unrelated couples, zoo officials are trying to
ensure that the genetic factors that make one cotton-top different from the
next are preserved for future generations. Without such diversity, all of the
animals eventually become close relatives with very similar traits. Such
inbreeding not only increases the risk of problem pregnancies and birth
defects, it also reduces the likelihood that some cotton-tops will be different
enough to survive if a deadly virus sweeps through the population.

"If disease comes in and everyone is the same, it will wipe out everybody,"
said Robert J. Wiese of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

To keep the genetic pot stirred, the matchmakers used computer-generated
lists--which showed which monkeys were related and how many children they had
sired--to set up liaisons with unrelated animals. Young cotton-tops that had
produced no children got the best opportunities, while prolific animals that
had already donated plenty of offspring to the gene pool were given red
stickers on their cards, indicating that they would be receiving contraceptives
for a while.

There are other factors to take into consideration as well. A cotton-top
isn't eligible for the pairing program until it has learned to be a good parent
by helping its parents raise at least four brothers or sisters. (A cotton-top
couple can produce twins every seven months or so.) "Without that experience,
they may kill or abuse their own offspring," said Anne Savage, Roger William's
director of research.

In addition, if a monkey is considered experienced enough to be mated, the
animal must be taken from its family. Mature children won't mate as long as
they are still living with both parents.

With the decisions made, the zoos will begin playing musical monkeys almost
immediately, although it will probably take several months to coordinate all of
the traveling necessary for the scores of arranged marriages. "American
Airlines will be shipping a lot of cotton-tops," said Savage.

After all this reshuffling, will the newly paired cotton-tops be willing to
monkey around? A male and female monkey left alone in the same exhibit
invariably decide to tango. Said Savage: "Love is blind in the eyes of
cotton-tops."

* * *

From Another Newspaper: Baboon Trio Get High-tech Care

San Antonio (AP) -- Researchers are hailing the recent birth of baboon
triplets as the first by any of the so-called Old World primates, which include
gorillas, chimpanzees and macaque monkeys. Albert, Butch and Charlie were born
last Sunday morning at Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research. Foundation
researchers say they can't find a record of three or more live births among
those primate groups.

"This is a unique event in primatology," said Dr. Michelle Leland, an
assistant veterinarian who delivered the baboons by Ceasarean section.

The baboons weighed between 275 grams and 441 grams at birth, far less than
the typical birth weight of 850 to 950 grams. The birth actually produced
quadruplets, but a fourth died immediately from multiple defects. The
remaining three survived because of high-tech care normally used on premature
human infants. The treatment was possible because the foundation has a fully
equipped neonatal intensive care unit.

"There aren't very many places that have facilities like ours, so if someone
had multiple births at a zoo or something like this, there's not a lot they can
do," Leland said. "They can't take them to a human hospital."

Southwest Foundation has one of the world's largest baboon colonies with
more than 3,000 animals. Two-thirds of those animals have carefully recorded
pedigrees and are bred to track and maintain their medical and genetic
histories. But the triplets weren't conceived through any type of specialized
breeding program.

"She got pregnant through the fence," Leland said, adding that the father's
identity has yet to be determined. "It's not difficult to do paternity
testing, just like we do in people. We know exactly who was next to her when
the event occurred." _From the Houston Chronicle, April 30, 1995,
posted by Shirley McGreal to primate-talk

* * *

News Briefs

Marmoset Smuggler Sentenced

On October 5, 1994, Marcelo Perez pled guilty to charges of illegal
importation into the United States of four live pygmy marmosets (Cebuella
pygme), and was sentenced by Judge Lenore Nesbitt of Miami, FL to six
months of house arrest and two years of probation.

On September 7, 1994, a U.S. Customs Service inspector at Miami
International Airport became suspicious of Perez, who arrived in Miami on a
flight from Lima, Peru, wearing baggy clothing and appearing quite nervous. The
inspector initiated a search of his baggage and clothing and discovered two
live pygmy marmosets concealed in Perez' sweatshirt pocket and two more hidden
inside his waist bag. Perez later admitted to federal agents that he planned to
sell the four marmosets to a pet store in New York for a substantial profit.

The pygmy marmoset sells on the U.S. retail market for approximately
$1500-$2000. It is protected under Appendix II of CITES. -- From a U.S.
Dept. of Justice news release, printed in TRAFFIC, 14 [1], March,
1995.

Obituary: Dao Van Tien

Dao Van Tien, Emeritus Professor of Biology at the National University of
Hanoi, died in his sleep May 3, 1995, at the age of 78. Professor Tien was
educated in Hanoi under the French colonial administration. He taught several
generations of Vietnamese scientists and carried his Biology Faculty through
the difficult years after his country gained its freedom. Though Professor
Tien's principal works and many of his papers were in mammalian zoology, his
advice, his academic research, and most importantly his student support was
never limited to this. Certainly, all senior biologists in northern Vietnam
today gladly call Professor Tien their teacher. It is hard to calculate the
importance of this gentle and thoughtful man in the history of Vietnam's
science. He was the father of his field in Vietnam. His loss was a great blow
for us, though he left for the world an incalculable legacy of studies of the
rich biology of Vietnam, and a scholarly tradition for those who will follow in
his footsteps.

He will be known to primatologists for the description of a number of new
taxa, including Trachypithecus francoisi hatinhensis, a highly
distinctive member of the black langurs, which live in limestone hills, and
Trachypithecus cristatus caudalis, a "mystery" langur, still known only
by two individuals that were in the Hanoi zoo. He was also the first person in
recent times to record the presence of all-black gibbons, which he referred to
as Hylobates concolor hainanus, between the Red River delta and the
Chinese border to the northeast. -- From postings to Primate-Talk by
Colin Groves and Vern Weitzel

Mountain Gorillas Killed in Uganda

Four of the world's few remaining mountain gorillas were killed by poachers
in late March in a secluded national park in Uganda. The killings of a nursing
female, an 8-year-old male, and two juvenilemountain gorillas represent the
largest known slaughter of the highly endangered creatures in more than a
decade. Approximately 600 mountain gorillas survive in the wild today in
Uganda, Rwanda, and Zaire.

"Because the nursing mother's baby was not found, we believe the fiercely
protective family was killed to reach the infant," said WWF Vice President
Henri Nsanjama. The Ugandan customs authorities have been alerted to the
possibility that the infant may have been stolen.

An autopsy found that the gorillas, which lived in Bwindi Impenetrable
National Park, were speared to death. The International Gorilla Conservation
Program (a joint project of WWF, the African Wildlife Foundation, and the Fauna
and Flora Preservation Society) and the Uganda National Parks Office reported
and investigated the poaching.

Unlike neighboring Rwanda, which also is home to the mountain gorillas,
Uganda has been relatively stable. "Conservationists were thinking that the one
place mountain gorillas were the safest was in Bwindi," Nsanjama said. "That
four gorillas were killed there at one time is just unthinkable. All eyes were
on Rwanda for possible foul play"

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a World Heritage Site, is located in the
southwest corner of Uganda. -- From WWF's FOCUS, May/June,
1995

Fire in Brazil's Una Region

A fire that raged out of control for several days in March in the Brazilian
state of Bahia reached the edges of Una Biological Reserve, where the World
Wildlife Fund has worked for a decade to protect the endangered Atlantic Forest
and golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). The fire
burned about 2500 acres of a degraded portion of the reserve, presenting "a
real setback to the forest regeneration process," according to WWF Senior
Program Officer Lou Ann Dietz. WWF-supported researchers joined reserve guards
to fight the fire.

The Una region, which normally has year-round rainfall, is in the middle of
a severe drought. According to Dietz, the fire was started by local farmers,
who often burn vegetation to prepare their fields. "Now that we know the
region's rainfall can't be counted on to make the reserve fire resistant," says
Dietz, "we're going to have to expand our education program to encourage
neighboring farmers not to use fire near the reserve."

Although the Atlantic Forest once stretched along the entire coast of
Brazil, occupying nearly 12% of the country, today only a little more than 8%
of the original dense forest remains. The 15,000-acre Una Reserve, which
contains perhaps the highest biodiversity levels in the world, was set aside
specificially for the protection of the golden-headed lion tamarins. -- From
WWF's FOCUS, May/June, 1995

* * *

Status of the Primate Information Center

The Primate Information Center (PIC) is alive and functioning! Much has
happened since October of last year, when an announcement was made that the PIC
would be closing. Shortly after that original announcement, further
deliberations by our parent organization, the Washington Regional Primate
Research Center, resulted in a decision to keep the PIC open through at least
April 30, 1997. However, as of May 1, 1995 the Primate Information Center has
been forced to operate with a greatly reduced staff size and budget (between a
50-60% decrease in both).

In must be emphasized that these decisions regarding the Primate Information
Center have been fueled by the general budgetary problems of the Washington
Primate Center. The PIC is one of many programs at the Primate Center that have
been either cut or curtailed. The dramatic reduction in the PIC budget was
required for the Center to balance its financial affairs, but in no way
reflected negatively on the PIC itself. The PIC has always managed to operate
within its allotted budget, while maintaining a consistent and high-quality
level of informational service. The PIC simply became the victim of difficult
financial decisions made by our parent organization.

Currently, the Primate Information Center is operating as normally as
possible, given our budgetary and staffing reductions. Our monthly journal,
Current Primate References, is unaffected. We do not anticipate any
impact on the regularity or quality of this journal. Thevsame is true for our
leased database, PRIMATES. The two areas that will be impacted the most
are Topical Bibliographies and Custom Retro- spective Searches. Topicals are
bibliographies that the PIC publishes on subjects of high interest to primate
researchers. We have several hundred such titles available for purchase. In all
probability, no new Topicals will be produced until staffing levels return to a
more normal level. Custom Retros are searches done on an individual basis in
consultation with requestors. The PIC has always tried to get such searches in
the mail the next business day after the request is received. That may no
longer be possible in all cases.

During these austere times, the Primate Information Center asks for both the
understanding and the support of the primate research community. We need your
understanding for those times in which we may not be able to respond to your
request as rapidly as we would like. Some requests that might require a lot of
staff time may even have to go unfilled. We desperately need the support of
primate researchers in continuing to request and use our services. We hope that
subscriptions to Current Primate References will remain steady or even
increase. The revenue from Topicals and Custom searches will ensure that we can
maintain our service through the coming year. It is very important that we
show, during these difficult times, that the PIC is both needed and used, and
the best way for researchers to do that is through continued strong patronage
of our bibliographic services.

What does the future hold for the Primate Information Center? As manager, I
can say that I am guardedly optimistic. The PIC has just completed a grant
application that, if successful, will restore staff and resources to more
normal levels. We have asked for funds and personnel to add abstracts to our
database and to initiate a document delivery system. In addition to our current
services, we have proposed publishing actual compendia of normative data on
various aspects of primate physiology, reproduction, and colony management. The
PIC hopes to take advantage of the many non-paper technologies available to
deliver our products more quickly and efficiently.

If all goes well, the Primate Information Center will not only continue our
30-year tradition of service, but we will improve upon that service by taking
advantage of new technologies and new opportunities for meeting the information
needs of the primate community. The PIC is looking forward to being a viable
information provider well into the 21st century, and with the help of primate
researchers worldwide, we can meet that goal. -- Jackie Pritchard Manager
PIC, Univ. of Washington, Box 357330, Seattle, WA 98195- 7330 [206-543-4376;
FAX: 206-685-0305; e-mail: plj@u.washington.edu]

* * *

Award Nominations

Elizabeth Glaser Scientist Award

The Elizabeth Glaser Scientist Award will be given annually for five years
to up to five outstanding scientists whose research will greatly affect
children with HIV/AIDS. The award will provide between $100,000 and $150,000 in
support each year. International candidates are encouraged to apply. Each
candidate must have an M.D., Ph.D., or D.V.M. degree and be at the associate
professor level or above, or be eligible for an associate professor appointment
at the time of application. This award, however, is not intended for
well-established investigators.

In 1992 the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) established an award
to honor Dr. Harry C. Rowsell, who has made major contributions in promoting
animal welfare nationally and internationally. The first award was presented to
Dr. Rowsell himself, the second to Franklin M. Loew. The award is given to
persons who are known for commitment to fostering the dual goals of good
science and the humane treatment of animals. To nominate an individual for the
1995 award, submit a description of the work you think meets these goals on one
single-spaced page. Additional materials such as a curriculum vitae and project
description may be included. Send all materials to SCAW, Attn: Harry C. Rowsell
Award, 4805 St. Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 [FAX: 301-345-3503].

* * *

Awards Granted

Moor-Jankowski Honored

Jan Moor-Jankowski, MD, Research Professor at the New York University School
of Medicine and founder and director of the Laboratory for Experimental
Medicine and Surgery in Primates (LEMSIP), a World Health Organization
Collaborating Center located in Sterling Forest, NY, was unanimously elected on
28 March, 1995 to the French Academy of Medicine, as its only American member
at present.

The French Academy of Medicine was created in 1820 to provide a forum for
medical debates and to advise the French government on health-related matters.
The members are elected for life and an election takes place when a chair is
vacated. The predecessor of Dr. Moor-Jankowski was the late Dr. Linus
Pauling.

Dr. Moor-Jankowski's laboratory, LEMSIP, has been participating in
international collaborative studies leading to the development of tests and
vaccines against various forms of infectious hepatitis since 1967 and, since
1987, in collaboration with Institut Pasteur, Paris, in the development of
vaccines against AIDS.

AZA Awards to RI Zoo

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI, received two Significant
Achievement Awards at the 70th Annual Conference of the American Zoo and
Aquarium Association last September. The Significant Achievement Award for
Education honored "ZooPower," a program that trains at-risk and disadvantaged
youths to serve as paid, after-school environmental educators of younger
children.

The Significant Achievements Award for Conservation honored the program
"Proyecto Titi: A Multi-disciplinary Approach to the Conservation of the
Cotton-Top Tamarin in Colombia." Dr. Anne Savage, Research Director for the
Zoo, is project director. A field research program examines what factors are
causing the decline of wild populations. Information is passed on to government
officials in charge of establishing protected reserves, local officials
regulating resource consumption, and local people living in the area who are
often directly competing for the resources needed by the tamarins. In order to
involve local people in conservation efforts, community action programs have
been established, including peer-teaching programs where older children lead
trips to the forest with younger children and an international exchange of
information between school children in Rhode Island and Colombia that examines
how water pollution affects the lives of the local community and long-term
conservation of natural resources.

* * *

Meeting Announcements

AZA/CAZPA

The Annual Conference of the American Zoo and Aquarium Assn and the
Canadian Assn of Zoological Parks and Aquaria will be held 15-19 September,
1995, in Seattle, WA. Contact Mike Waller, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave
N, Seattle, WA 98103 [206-233- 2678].

Gesellschaft für Primatologie

The Fourth Congress of the Gesellschaft für Primatologie will be held
20-24 September, 1995, in Kassel, Germany. The focus will be on interactions
between primatological field and laboratory research, such as the application
of laboratory- based physiological, endocrinological. and genetic methods in
primate field research. Contact Prof. Dr. Christian Welker, Zoologie und
Vergl. Anatomie, Primatenethologie, Univ. Kassel, D-34109 Kassel, Germany [FAX:
49-561-804-4604].

The Annual meeting of the Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology
will be held at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, October 26-29, 1995. The
abstract deadline is August 1. Contact: Jerry Melbye [jmelbye@epas.utoronto.ca]
or Anne Katzenberg [katzenbe@acs.ucalgary.ca].

Primate Society of Great Britain

The Primate Society of Great Britain will hold its Winter Meeting 29
November, 1995 at the London Zoo. The focus will be on biology and conservation
of New World monkeys. There will be papers by K. B. Strier, C. R. Pryce, E.
Visalberghi and D. Fragaszy, A. Barnett and D. Brandon-Jones, A. B. Rylands, H.
O. Box, E. Heymann, H. Buchanan-Smith and S. Hardie. Contact Hilary Box,
University of Reading, Dept of Psychology, Bldg 3, Early Gate, Whiteknights,
Reading, RG6 2AL, UK [0734 875 123; FAX: 0734 316 604].

In many cases, the original source of references in this section has been
primate-talk, the computer mailing list run by the Wisconsin Regional Primate
Research Center Library.

* * *

Positions Available

Postdoc Research Associate

Applications are being accepted for a position to be filled as soon as
possible at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, University of
Wisconsin-Madison. The successful applicant will have a doctoral degree and
research experience in energy metabolism, diabetes mellitus and its
complications, or general endocrinology as it relates to aging or obesity.
Experience with nonhuman primates is desirable but not essential, and computer
and instrumentation skills are especially advantageous. Send letter of
application, CV and names of three references to: Joseph W. Kemnitz, Ph.D.,
Wisconsin Regional Primate

Research Center, UW-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715-1299. The
University is an equal opportunity employer and women and minority scientists
are encouraged to apply.

Positions in Georgia

Four positions are available at AAALAC-accredited facilities in the Atlanta,
GA area. The qualifications are a 2- or 4-year degree; Lab Animal Technologist
certification by AALAS; at least 2 years of supervisory experience; and good
written and verbal communication skills. Nonhuman primate experience is
desirable. The salary ranges are $42-48K for each of two Facility Managers and
$34-40K for each of two

A candidate is sought to direct a new In Vitro Fertilization/Assisted
Reproductive Technology (IVF/ART) laboratory in Manila, Phillipines. Applicants
should have experience in gamete biology or cell culture. This person will
train in assisted reproduction for six months to one year prior to taking over
the Manila facility. Previous IVF/ART experience is desirable, but not
required. A Masters or Ph.D. in a related biological field is required. Salary
and benefits will be commensurate with experience. Applicants should mail or
fax a c.v. and the names and phone or fax numbers of three references to
Richard G. Rawlins, Ph.D. HCLD, IVF Consulting, 520 Forest Ave, Oak Park IL
60302 [FAX: 708-383-1658; e-mail: rrawlins@rpslmc.edu].

IVF/ART Technical Position Available

An Embryologist/Andrologist with a Bachelors or Masters degree is sought as
soon as possible for a new IVF/ART Program opening 1 January 1996 at Rush North
Shore Hospital, Skokie, Illinois. The successful

candidate will train for 6 months prior to entry at the new facility.
Experience in gamete biology/cell culture is desirable, previous IVF work a
plus. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates should send a resume and references to Dr. Rawlins at
the address above.

* * *

Accreditation Council Formed

The Council for Accreditation of Chimpanzee Sanctuaries and Retirement
Facilities is being formed. The Council is being formed to assure that decent
and sustainable environments can be provided for chimpanzees if they cannot be
accommodated in zoological parks, research centers, or private settings. The
Council currently consists of over 91 members, including experts in chimpanzee
health and veterinary care, environmental enrichment & design,
communication & cognition, advocacy/welfare/ethics/rights, natural behavior
& ecology, and financial & management issues. This is an inclusive
effort drawing together an array of scientists and activists in order to pool
all resources on behalf of the well-being of chimpanzees and to assure that
their best interests are served. We hope to have the full support of the entire
primatological and advocacy communities. The Council is not connected with ASP
or my employer. -- JoeErwin

* * *

CAAT Seeks Refinement Information

The Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) is
dedicated to fostering the development of scientifically acceptable in vitro
and other alternatives for use in the development and safety evaluation of
commercial and therapeutic products. Alternatives are defined as methods which
reduce animal use, replace whole animal tests, or refine existing tests by
minimizing animal distress.

CAAT is in the process of compiling data on the "forgotten R," refinement.
They are soliciting descriptions of refinement methods that have been developed
or established through personal laboratory experience which decrease animal
stress or discomfort. They intend to publish a collection of refinement methods
for distribution to the scientific community. Their goal is two-fold: 1) to
expose scientists to refinement methods and 2) to provide a mechanism to
encourage scientists who are already interested in alternatives to utilize
identified refinement methods. All contributors will be acknowledged if their
data/methods are included in the resulting publication.

Please review the following questions to determine if your work can be
recognized as a refinement alternative. If you are able to answer yes to any of
these questions, your experience in the laboratory most

likely involved a refinement method suitable for inclusion in the study.

1. Have you developed or used a technique or procedure (e.g. surgical) that
decreases animal stress or discomfort ?

2. Have you developed, or determined through experience, a handling or housing
method that decreases animal stress or discomfort ?

3. Have you found drugs that decrease animal stress or discomfort (e.g., are
less irritating upon infusion or injection)?

Please provide a summary of the refinement alternative that you have found
to decrease animal discomfort or distress based on your personal experience
with laboratory animals. In addition, please discuss the perceived impact of
your refinement methods on the welfare of laboratory animals. We ask that you
also include answers to the following questions in your report.

4. How do you determine that an animal is in pain ?

5. How do you determine that an animal is in distress (non-pain induced) ?

6. Which of the animal handling or experimental procedures that you routinely
use cause you the most concern regarding their potential for causing animal
pain or distress ? [If you would prefer that your answer to this question be
treated anonymously in the report, please indicate].

Send your summary to REFINE, Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal
Testing, 111 Market Place, Suite 840, Baltimore MD 21202-6709 [410-223-1693;
FAX: 410-223-1603; e-mail: caat@phnet.sph.jhu.edu]. Please be sure to include
your telephone/fax number or e-mail address so that you may be contacted if
further information is needed.

* * *

Educational Opportunity: Purina Animal Care Course

Purina Mills has recently updated and re-released the long popular Lab
Animal Care Course. Written by and for lab technicians, it provides an
extensive knowledge base about the care and handling of animals used for
laboratory research. It also follows all recommended legal and ethical
standards recognized by AALAS. It can be self-taught or classroom-administered
and certificates recognizing successful completion of the course are given to
each participant. If taken as an independent study course, a supervisor must
certify that each section has been completed. The cost is $50 per course --
call for a price quote if more than 20 courses are needed. For further
information, or to have an application sent to you, contact Nancy Plumer,
Administrator, Purina Mills, Inc., PO Box 548, Richmond, IN, 47375
[317-962-9561, ext. 248; FAX: 317-962-8169; e-mail: njplumer@aol.com]. --
Posted on compmed.

* * *

SCAW Will Conduct an IACUC Study

In accordance with the mandates of the Animal Welfare Act, most academic
institutions have had Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) for
some years. In 1992 the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) formed a
committee to study the effectiveness of IACUCs.

SCAW believes that it would be helpful to inquire about how IACUCs in both
academia and industry function at different institutions and how effective they
are at completing their tasks. A questionnaire has been developed that will be
issued to members of IACUCs. Cygnus Corporation, a Washington, DC-based
marketing group, has been chosen to manage the distribution and information
retrieval of the survey. In order to maintain confidentiality of the responses,
identification codes will be held only at Cygnus headquarters.

The mailing of the survey is scheduled for September, 1994, with a final
report submitted to SCAW in January, 1996. A conference to discuss the findings
of the study will be held in spring, 1996, and the results and comments from
the conference will be published.

If you are involved with the IACUC Committee at your institution, it is a
good possibility that you will receive the IACUC survey. SCAW hopes that you
will encourage prompt completion. If the response rate is significant, it has
the potential of documenting the IACUC's role in research animal care and use,
as well as indicating some best practices for IACUC functions.

*Scene-specific memory for objects: A model of episodic memory impairment in
monkeys with fornix transection. Gaffan, D. (Dept of Experimental Psychology,
Oxford Univ., South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3UD, U.K.). Journal of Cognitive
Neuroscience, 1994, 6, 305-320. . .
In experiments with six fornix-transected rhesus monkeys, the most severe
impairment was in object-in-place learning. Fornix transection did not impair
object discrimination learning in varying backgrounds. The results from place
discrimination and object discrimination learning showed intermediate severity
of impairment. The idea that fornix transection in the monkey impairs spatial
memory but leaves object memory intact is thus shown to be an
oversimplification. The impairments of object memory in the present experiments
are analogous to the impairments of episodic memory seen in human amnesiac
patients.

*Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and coronary artery disease. Pepine,
C. J. (Div. of Cardiology, Univ. of Florida College of Med., 1600 Archer Rd,
P.O. Box 100277, Gainesville, FL 32610). Journal ofHypertension, 1994, 12(suppl. 4), S65-S71. . .
ACE inhibitors prevent the development of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic
animal models, including cynomolgus monkeys. They also prevent the myointimal
proliferative response to injury in some animal models, but not in higher
animal species or in humans. They can reduce the number of cardiac ischemic
events in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular
dysfunction.

*Pair-housing rather than single-housing for laboratory rhesus macaques.
Reinhardt, V. (4605 Crescent Rd, Madison, WI 53711). Journal of Medical
Primatology, 1994, 23, 426-431. . .
Having transferred 378 adult and juvenile rhesus from single- to isosexual
pair-housing, with 0.8% serious injury in the first year, the author concludes
that pair-housing offers a safe option to address the animals' social needs in
compliance with federal rules and professional standards.

Behavior

*Social factors influencing performance of a foraging task for captive
chimpanzees. Brent, L., Fisher, S., & Eichberg, J. W. (Dept of Lab. Animal
Med., Southwest Foundation, West Loop 410 at Military Dr., San Antonio, TX
78228-0147). Folia Primatologica, 1993, 61, 177-185. . .
The performance of captive Pantroglodytes during a simulated foraging
activity was compared to the foraging behavior of wild chimpanzees. The
behavior of the captives was similar to that observed in the wild, but subtle
differences did occur. "Possible explanations for these differences include the
influence of the captive environment, genetic change over time, or a
combination of factors. As the number of wild-born primates in captivity
declines, it will be important to observe how the new generations adapt to the
pressures imposed by captivity and if these adaptations are translated into new
behaviors or social organization."

*Variation in the parental care systems of mammals and the impact on zoo
breeding programs. Baker, A. (Burnet Park Zoo, 1 Conservation Pl., Syracuse, NY
13204). Zoo Biology, 1994, 13, 413-421. . .
A review of factors, such as paternal care and alloparenting, which must be
taken into account in managing captive breeding programs of many species.

Development

*Separation and depression in infant gorillas. Hoff, M. P., Nadler, R. D.,
Hoff, K. T., & Maple, T. L. (Dalton College, Dalton, GA 30720).
DevelopmentalPsychobiology, 1994, 27, 439-452. . .
Three infant gorillas were removed from their mothers for
veterinary/husbandry reasons, and kept together as a group for 24 weeks. The
infants initially showed threat responses and increased locomotion,
characteristic of the protest stage of anaclitic depression in children.
Within several days, these were replaced by dorsoventral contact, as well as
self-holding and fetal positioning. There was substantial recovery of social
and nonsocial behaviors later in the separation. Upon reunion, the infants
spent more time in contact with each other than with their mothers for the
first several days, indicating detachment. Following this, there was an
increase in mother-infant attachment behaviors.

*The development of affiliative and agonistic social patterns in differentially
reared monkeys. Andrews, M. W. & Rosenblum, L. A. (Dept of Psychiatry, Box
120, SUNY Health Sci. Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203). Child Development,
1994, 65, 1398-1404. . .
This study explored the long-term consequences of rearing monkeys under
conditions that produced in the infants, by the age of 6 months, a relative
inability to use their mothers as a secure base from which to explore a novel
environment. Assessment of social patterns was conducted an average of 2.5
years later when all subjects had been living for at least 2 months in their
age-matched rearing cohorts without their mothers and without contact with
unfamiliar individuals. Social patterns of the monkeys were evaluated under
increasingly unfamiliar and complex social contexts. This study produced
long-term effects despite the presence of the mother and peers during early
development.

*Brainstem auditory evoked response development in preterm and term baboons
(Papio hamadryas). Edwards, D. A., Henderson-Smart, D. J., Pettigrew, A.
G., Wetzlar, A., & Phippard, A. F. (D. J. H.-S., Dept of Perinatal Med.,
King George V Hospital, Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia).
Developmental Brain Research, 1994, 82, 181-184. . .
Brainstem auditory evoked responses were recorded longitudinally from 11
neonatal baboons, 6 of which were preterm, from day 161 to day 362 after
conception (term = 182 days). The pattern of development of both waveform
morphology and of wave latency was consistent with that seen in the human
neonate, with a rapid maturation of the response during the perinatal period,
and then a slower development to adult values.

*Simian immunodeficiency viruses of African green monkeys. Kurth, R. &
Norley, S. (Paul-Ehrlich-Inst., Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63225 Langen,
Germany). Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, 1994,
188, 21-33. . .
A review of what is probably the oldest known example of a natural
lentivirus infection, SIV of the four species of Cercopithecus
aethiops.

*WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record, 1995, No. 10. . .
Reports on yellow fever in 1992 and 1993, which were relatively mild in
terms of total numbers of cases of yellow fever, but noteworthy in that the
first outbreak ever recorded in Kenya was documented. In a dramatic decrease,
only Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana reported cases in this period.

*Back in the hot zone. Preston, R. NewYorker, 1995, 71[13],
43-45. . .
Background, as of May 22, of the current Ebola virus epidemic.

Genetics

*The Y-autosome translocation of Callimicogoeldii. Margulis, S.
W., Chin, J., Warneke, M., Dubach, J. M., & Lindgren, V. (Committee on
Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Chicago, 940 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637).
International Journal of Primatology, 1995, 16, 145-155. . .
Karyotypic analyses on 40 captive Callimicogoeldii revealed that 39
had a diploid chromosome number of 47, including Y-autosome translocation. The
remaining male had 48 chromosomes; he, too, carried the translocation along
with two X chromosomes. This translocation appears not to be a polymorphism, as
previously reported, but rather a feature characteristic of all males in the
population.

*Intracellular mechanism of penile erection in monkeys. Trigo-Rocha, F., Hsu,
G.-L., Donatucci, C. F., Martinez-Pineiro, L., Lue, T. F., & Tanagho, E. A.
(T. F. L., Dept of Urology, Univ. of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0738).
Neurourology and Urodynamics, 1994, 13, 71-80. . .
A study of the role of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic
guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) systems in Macaca nemestrina. Both
systems may be involved in cavernous smooth muscle relaxation, and cGMP is
probably the predominant intracellular second messenger in penile erection in
monkeys. Stimulants of the cGMP system, such as nitric oxide releasers, could
represent an effective physiological approach in the treatment of erectile
dysfunction.

Reproduction

*Use of behavior to evaluate reproductive problems in captive mammals.
Lindburg, D. G. & Fitch-Snyder, H. (Research Dept, Zool. Soc. of San Diego,
P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112). Zoo Biology, 1994, 13,
433-445. . .
Behavioral inadequacies affecting reproductive performance may be
attributable to deficient early rearing environment, the social milieux in
which animals are held, or the way pairings for mating are staged. A
biologically based approach which integrates species-typical behavior with
concerns for genetics, physiology, and health in designing breeding programs
will improve prospects for success.

*Mammalian sociobiology and zoo breeding programs. Kleiman, D. G. (Dept of
Zool. Research, National Zool. Park, Washington, DC 20008). Zoo Biology,
1994, 13, 423-432. . .
A discussion of the impact of the social and physical environment on the
potential for reproductive success of mammals in zoos. The effects of physical
requirements, mating systems, social dynamics, and such social characteristics
as familiarity are stressed.

*Follicle-stimulating hormone priming of rhesus monkeys enhances meiotic and
developmental competence of oocytes matured in vitro. Schramm, R. D. &
Bavister, B. D. (Wisconsin RPRC, 1223 Capitol Ct, Madison, WI 53715).
Biology of Reproduction, 1994, 51, 904-912. . .
FSH priming of monkeys enhanced nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of
oocytes in vitro, and resulted in production of the first in vitro-matured/in
vitro-fertilized primate blastocysts. In nonhuman primates, cytoplasmic
maturation of oocytes may require more time to complete than nuclear maturation
and may commence well in advance of meiotic resumption. While critical events
occur during nuclear maturation in vitro that have subsequent effects upon
embryonic development, important events also occur during folliculogenesis,
prior to meiotic resumption, that have subsequent effects upon the meiotic and
developmental capabilities of oocytes. Absolute normality of IVM/IVF monkey
embryos has not yet been verified by embryo transfer and production of normal
offspring, as has been done in cattle, sheep, and humans.

In many cases, the original source of references in this section has been
the Current Primate References prepared by The Primate Information Center,
Regional Primate Research Center SJ-50, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
98l95. Because of this excellent source of references, the present section is
devoted primarily to presentation of abstracts of articles of practical or of
general interest.